'Start tearing down this two-party system': Atlanta Libertarian Chase Oliver kicks off presidential campaign

Libertarian Chase Oliver is shown during a U.S. Senate debate in Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Ben Gray, File)

Atlanta activist and former candidate for U.S. House and Senate Chase Oliver is on the campaign trail again, as the Libertarian Party’s nominee for president.

He kicked off his tour Tuesday in Avondale Estates.

Third parties have rarely been competitive in U.S. presidential elections. Four years ago the Libertarian candidate won 1% of the vote. The party prioritizes small government and individual freedoms, with a mix of liberal and conservative policy positions. For example: Oliver is self-described as “armed and gay” — an LGBTQ candidate who will also not support any new gun restrictions.

But when Oliver spoke with WABE’s “Morning Edition,” he said this year there’s so much widespread frustration amongst Democrats and Republicans, and that means more opportunity to siphon votes away from the major parties and appeal to voters.

“So we’re going to do what we can to build our party up foundationally, so we can actually start tearing down this two-party system, which so many American voters are dissatisfied with,” Oliver said hours before his first presidential campaign event.

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.